POSTMODERN METAL ALCHEMY
Turning waste into wealth: Breakthrough in metal recovery from copper slag
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SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM OF EXPERIMENTAL APPARATUS
view moreCREDIT: TRANSACTIONS OF NONFERROUS METALS SOCIETY OF CHINA
Copper smelting, a critical process in metal production, often leads to the generation of slag containing valuable metals. Traditionally, this slag has been discarded, causing environmental issues and resource loss. A recent study introduce a method for recovering copper, lead, and zinc from copper smelting slag, addressing both environmental concerns and resource recovery.
Copper smelting is a major source of copper production, generating significant amounts of slag. In 2022, China produced over 11,000 kilotons of refined copper, leading to 2.2 to 3 tons of slag per ton of copper produced. This slag contains valuable metals like copper (0.5%–6%), lead (0.2%–0.6%), and zinc (1%–5.5%), which are often not recovered, resulting in resource waste and environmental hazards from leaked toxic ions.
A study (doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/S1003-6326(23)66375-7 ) released on 19 January 2024, in Transactions of Nonferrous Metals Society of China detailing a novel method for the recovery of copper, lead, and zinc from copper smelting slag using a sulfurization-reduction approach. This innovation represents a significant stride in metallurgical waste management, with potential impacts on both industry practices and environmental sustainability.
The research from Central South University presents a significant advance in metal recycling technology, particularly for copper, lead, and zinc recovery from copper smelting slag. Using pyrite as a sulfurizing agent, this novel sulfurization-reduction technique facilitates the efficient extraction of these metals. The team's rigorous approach, combining thermodynamic analysis with practical laboratory experiments, has led to high recovery rates, achieving nearly 98% for copper and zinc and about 90% for lead. This method is not only effective in reclaiming valuable metals from what was previously considered waste but also plays a crucial role in environmental protection. By significantly reducing the harmful residues in the leftover slag, this method contributes to a more sustainable approach to waste management in the metallurgical industry. It suggests a shift towards more eco-friendly practices, emphasizing the importance of both economic viability and environmental responsibility in resource recovery processes.
Qing-hua Tian, a lead researcher, states, "This sulfurization-reduction method not only recovers valuable metals efficiently but also significantly reduces the environmental footprint of copper smelting."
This research opens up new possibilities for the future of metal recovery, recovering valuable metals and reducing environmental harm. It presents significant implications for the metallurgical industry, especially in countries with high copper production, aligning industrial practices with the growing need for environmental sustainability.
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References
DOI
Original Source URL
https://doi.org/10.1016/S1003-6326(23)66375-7
Funding information
The National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. U20A20273); The National Key R&D Program of China (No. 2019YFC1907400); The Science and Technology Innovation Program of Hunan Province, China (No. 2021RC3005); The Natural Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholar of Hunan Province, China (No. 2022JJ10078).
About The Transactions of Nonferrous Metals Society of China
The Transactions of Nonferrous Metals Society of China (Trans. Nonferrous Met. Soc. China), founded in 1991 and sponsored by The Nonferrous Metals Society of China, is published monthly now and mainly contains reports of original research which reflect the new progresses in the field of nonferrous metals science and technology, including mineral processing, extraction metallurgy, metallic materials and heat treatments, metal working, physical metallurgy, powder metallurgy, with the emphasis on fundamental science. It is the unique preeminent publication in English for scientists, engineers, under/post-graduates on the field of nonferrous metals industry. This journal is covered by many famous abstract/index systems and databases such as SCI Expanded, Ei Compendex Plus, INSPEC, CA, METADEX, AJ and JICST.
JOURNAL
Transactions of Nonferrous Metals Society of China
SUBJECT OF RESEARCH
Not applicable
ARTICLE TITLE
Synergistic recovery of copper, lead and zinc via sulfurization–reduction method from copper smelting slag
Turning waste into wonder: A breakthrough in pollution control
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GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT. A THE FURAN REMOVAL EFCIENCY OF VARIOUS CATALYSTS, B CATALYTIC OXIDATION OF FURAN ON CATALYSTS WITH DIFERENT NHPC ADDING AT 160 °C. HPC HIERARCHICAL POROUS CARBON, AC ACTIVE CARBON, NHPC N-DOPED HIERARCHICAL POROUS CARBON, C ON-STREAM REACTION TIME OVER SAMPLES AT 200 °C WITH GV=8000 ML G−1 H−1, D COMPARATIVE ACTIVITY TEST OF CATALYSTS WITH NHPC AND HPC COMBINING, CATALYTIC PERFORMANCE OF FURAN ON V/T1%NHPC1, V/T-1%NHPC2, AND V/T-1%HPC.
view moreCREDIT: WASTE DISPOSAL & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY
Researchers have made significant strides in the field of environmental pollution mitigation by enhancing the effectiveness of vanadium-based catalysts through nitrogen-doped biomass carbon for the degradation of furan at lower temperatures. This innovative approach not only offers a more efficient means of breaking down harmful pollutants but also represents a significant step towards more sustainable and cost-effective environmental protection measures.
Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans are dangerous pollutants due to their carcinogenicity and persistence in the environment. Traditional catalytic oxidation methods for their removal face challenges like high cost and inefficiency at lower temperatures. Research has shown that using carbon materials, such as carbon nanotubes and active carbons, improves catalyic performance by enhancing adsorption and distribution of active sites. However, their application is limited by costs and maintenance issues. N-doped carbon materials, derived from biomass, offer a promising alternative with their high surface area and porosity, potentially lowering operational temperatures and increasing efficiency.
In a new study ( doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42768-023-00172-0) published on 21 December 2023 in Waste Disposal & Sustainable Energy, researchers from Zhejiang University, introduces a catalyst combining vanadium-based components and nitrogen-doped biomass carbon (NHPC). This development significantly enhances the low-temperature degradation activity of furan, offering a novel solution for the efficient breakdown of persistent organic pollutants, marking a significant step forward in environmental remediation efforts.
In this study, researchers developed a series of vanadium-based catalystsand their catalytic performances were significantly enhanced by nitrogen-doped hierarchical porous carbon (NHPC) derived from biomass. This enhancement led to a marked improvement in the degradation of furan, a persistent organic pollutant, at lower temperatures than previously possible. The NHPC's introduction into the catalyst structure facilitated an increase in active sites and improved the homogeneous distribution of vanadium oxide phases, which are crucial for the catalytic process. At 150 °C, the modified catalyst achieved 50% furan conversion, a significant improvement over traditional catalysts, with complete conversion occurring at 200°C.
Dr. Minghui Tang, a leading researcher in the study, states, "This breakthrough not only enhances the efficiency of furan degradation at significantly lower temperatures but also opens new pathways for sustainable environmental remediation techniques."
The application of N-doped Hierarchical Porous Carbon (NHPC) in catalysts marks a pivotal advancement in environmental technology, offering a low-temperature, cost-effective method for hazardous pollutant removal. This innovation not only sets a new standard for pollution control but also underscores the potential of biomass derived carbon materials in catalytic degradation., enhancing pollutant degradation efficiency and fostering sustainable environmental protection solutions.
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References
DOI
Original Source URL
https://doi.org/10.1007/s42768-023-00172-0
Funding information
The Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province (No. LY21E060007); The National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 52006191).
About Waste Disposal & Sustainable Energy
Waste Disposal & Sustainable Energy (WDSE) publishes high-quality papers that advance waste disposal and sustainable energy. It broadly encompassed various traditional waste disposal and new sustainable energy sources related topics. The invention of instrumentation and new-methods on waste characterization and collection are also included. It emphasizes the application of waste disposal and sustainable energy technology to environmental and earth issues. It provides a platform not only for basic research but also for industrial interests.
JOURNAL
Waste Disposal & Sustainable Energy
SUBJECT OF RESEARCH
Not applicable
ARTICLE TITLE
Enhancing mechanisms of N-doped biomass carbon on the vanadium-based catalyst for furan degradation at low temperature
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